Ontario Poised to Satisfy Power Demands This Summer
The agency responsible for overseeing Ontario’s electricity needs reports that the province has an adequate supply of power that will sustain it well into the next year.
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) forecasts a 1% increase in electricity demand this year, with a further 2.9% hike anticipated in 2025. This rise in demand is attributed to new major industries being added to the grid.
While the agency notes that Ontario may occasionally need to import power from other jurisdictions during extreme weather conditions to ensure system reliability, the province typically imports energy primarily to reduce costs rather than to ensure reliability.
New Energy Minister Stephen Lecce expresses confidence in the province’s electricity system and supply. “We are absolutely confident in our capacity to meet the demands of families today,” says Lecce. He highlights significant investments in expanding the nuclear fleet, particularly at the Bruce and Darlington Nuclear Stations, as well as the expansion of natural gas and renewable energy sources. Lecce emphasizes the commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure to bolster capacity.
New transmission lines are currently under development to increase supply. In northwestern Ontario, the IESO anticipates that the East-West Tie Expansion, a 230 kV transmission line between Wawa and Thunder Bay, will be completed by the end of the year. This line is designed to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of electricity in the region for the long term.
